There’s just something incredibly satisfying about a steak doused in a luxurious mushroom sauce that’s both velvety and packed with flavor. This Easy Steak Diane with Mushroom Sauce Recipe takes the classic up a notch with tender filet mignon and a rich, buttery sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be your go-to for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Steak Diane with Mushroom Sauce Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Easy Steak Diane with Mushroom Sauce Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Easy Steak Diane with Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made a lot of steak dishes over the years, but this Easy Steak Diane with Mushroom Sauce Recipe stands out because it’s approachable enough for weeknights yet fancy enough for special dinners. The sauce is insanely flavorful and creamy without being heavy, thanks to a careful balance of mushrooms, shallots, and herbs. Plus, it cooks quickly, so you spend more time enjoying and less time fretting.
- Restaurant-quality flavor: You get that rich, buttery mushroom sauce that’s full of depth, even though it’s made at home.
- Simple ingredients: No weird specialty products here—just basics you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Quick and easy: From start to finish, it takes less than 40 minutes, which is perfect for when you want a special meal without the fuss.
- Perfectly tender steaks: Cooking the filet mignon just right keeps them tender and juicy every single time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Easy Steak Diane with Mushroom Sauce Recipe comes from the harmonious blend of tender beef and richly flavored pan sauce. Each ingredient plays an essential role, so I always recommend using fresh mushrooms and good quality beef broth for the best results. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need and why:
- Beef tenderloin steaks: Also known as filet mignon, this cut is incredibly tender and cooks quickly, perfect for this dish.
- Kosher salt & fresh cracked pepper: Vital for seasoning and bringing out the natural meat flavors.
- Butter and vegetable oil: Butter gives richness while the oil raises the smoke point, helping the steaks get a perfect sear.
- Cremini mushrooms: These have a deeper, earthier flavor than white mushrooms and get beautifully caramelized.
- Shallots: Offer a mild onion flavor, adding subtle sweetness to the sauce.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates umami, enriching the sauce’s depth.
- Garlic & red pepper flakes: For aromatic warmth and a gentle kick of heat.
- Flour: Helps thicken the sauce for that luscious texture.
- Beef broth: Provides the savory liquid base, so opt for reduced sodium to control saltiness.
- Worcestershire & soy sauce: Add complexity and that irresistible umami punch.
- Dijon mustard: Brightens the sauce with subtle tanginess.
- Beef bouillon: Boosts the beefy flavor—just a dash goes a long way.
- Dried oregano & thyme: Classic herbs that complement beef perfectly.
- Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and smooths out the sauce beautifully.
- Fresh parsley (or dried): For freshness and a pop of color at the end.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about this Easy Steak Diane with Mushroom Sauce Recipe is how flexible it can be to suit your tastes or dietary needs. I love to play around with it depending on what’s in season or what I’m craving.
- Variation: I sometimes swap cremini mushrooms for shiitake for a woodsy punch. It’s a little pricier but totally worth it when you want an extra-special flavor.
- Diet-friendly tip: Use a lighter cream or skip it altogether, adding a splash of broth instead if you want to cut calories.
- For extra flair: A splash of cognac or brandy (added during the sauce aromatics step) makes the sauce pop with a warm, boozy note.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Steak Diane with Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prep Your Steaks
First things first — pat your steaks dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Then press each medallion down gently with your palm until it’s about 1-inch thick, making sure they cook evenly. Season generously on all sides with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If you have the time, letting them sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes helps them cook more evenly, but if you’re short on time, just season right before cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Steaks to Perfection
Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of vegetable or canola oil—the oil keeps the butter from burning while still giving you that rich flavor. Once the pan’s smoking hot, add your steaks and cook about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare, aiming for an internal temp around 130°F. Don’t fuss with flipping too often; let them develop that beautiful crust. When done, transfer steaks to a warm plate and tent with foil to rest while you finish the sauce.
Step 3: Caramelize Mushrooms Like a Pro
In the same pan (no need to clean—those drippings are flavor gold), melt 2 tablespoons of butter with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Crank the heat to medium-high and add your sliced cremini mushrooms. Stir to coat, then spread them out in a single layer as much as possible. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes, then flip and do the same for the other side until they’re a gorgeous golden brown with crispy edges. Remove them to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Build the Sauce’s Aromatic Base
Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the now-empty skillet and melt over medium heat. Toss in the minced shallots and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, garlic, and red pepper flakes and sauté for just 30 seconds to bloom those flavors. If you want to take it up a notch, this is where I add a splash (about ¼ cup) of cognac or brandy and cook it over medium-high heat to deglaze the pan, scraping up those flavorful brown bits.
Step 5: Thicken and Finish the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour into the pan and cook it for about 1 minute while stirring constantly. This helps cook out the raw taste and will thicken the sauce nicely. Lower the heat to low and gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Then add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, beef bouillon, oregano, and thyme. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to marry and the sauce to thicken. Finally, stir in the heavy cream, fresh parsley, and the golden mushrooms, warming everything through gently.
Step 6: Plate and Serve
Nothing beats plating the tender steaks alongside a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes. Ladle over that dreamy mushroom sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh bite. Give it a quick taste before serving and add salt or pepper if needed—sometimes a little adjustment makes all the difference!
Top Tip
From my many attempts at Steak Diane, a few tips really helped me polish this recipe and avoid common pitfalls.
- Patience is key: Don’t rush the mushroom caramelization—letting them brown undisturbed locks in that intense flavor and perfect texture.
- Rest your steaks: Always let the steaks rest under foil before serving. It keeps them juicy by allowing the juices to redistribute.
- Use a meat thermometer: I swear by checking internal temps for perfect doneness every time—130°F for medium-rare never fails.
- Deglaze with purpose: Adding cognac or brandy adds complexity, but if you skip it, don’t forget to scrape up those browned bits—they are flavor gold!
How to Serve Easy Steak Diane with Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and, if I have it, a few snipped chives. The green freshness brightens the plate and complements the rich sauce perfectly. If you want a little extra tang, a lemon wedge on the side livens it up beautifully.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are my go-to because they soak up all that delicious sauce, but roasted asparagus or green beans also make excellent companions. For something heartier, creamy polenta or buttery egg noodles work wonderfully too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I like to serve the steaks atop a bed of mashed potatoes with the mushroom sauce drizzled over everything – it turns an everyday dish into a lovely centerpiece. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens instantly elevates the look for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover steak and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce sometimes thickens a bit in the fridge, so stirring in a splash of broth or cream when reheating brings it right back to life.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the mushroom sauce separately with great success. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat. The steaks themselves don’t freeze and reheat as well, so I recommend enjoying them fresh.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a teaspoon of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that silky texture. For the steak, warming it slowly is key to avoid drying it out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While filet mignon is traditionally used for Steak Diane because of its tenderness, you can substitute ribeye or sirloin. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, since those cuts might need slightly longer to reach your preferred doneness.
The key is to not overcrowd the pan. Spread the mushrooms in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for several minutes before stirring or flipping. This allows moisture to evaporate and the mushrooms to develop a beautiful caramelized crust.
Yes! You can replace butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter. Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative. The sauce may taste slightly different but will still be delicious.
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F. The steak will continue to cook a bit as it rests, so pulling it off the heat a few degrees before your target temp is best. If you don’t have a thermometer, pressing the steak gently can help: soft and squishy means rare, firmer means more well-done.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Steak Diane with Mushroom Sauce Recipe has become one of my favorite dishes to prepare when I want something that feels luxurious yet is totally manageable in my home kitchen. It’s a dish you can make on a cozy night in, but one that’s also impressive enough to serve guests. Once you master the balance of seared steak and rich sauce, it’s truly a winner every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!
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Easy Steak Diane with Mushroom Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Steak Diane is a classic dish featuring tender filet mignon steaks pan-seared to medium-rare and served with a rich, velvety sauce made from caramelized mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and a blend of flavorful ingredients including Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality depth of flavor and a luscious sauce perfect for serving over mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Steaks
- 4 5-6-ounce beef tenderloin steaks (filet mignon)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
- Unsalted butter and vegetable or canola oil for cooking
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced ¼-inch thick
- 1 large shallot or 2 smaller/medium, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 14.5 oz. can reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon beef bouillon (base, crushed cube, or powder)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
To Serve
- Mashed potatoes (generous amount as this recipe makes plenty)
- Fresh parsley
- Chives (optional)
Instructions
- Season Steaks: Pat the steaks dry on both sides with paper towels. Press each medallion with the palm of your hand to flatten it to about a 1-inch even thickness. Season all sides with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Season right before cooking if not dry brining.
- Cook Steaks: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add one tablespoon butter and one tablespoon oil. Add the steaks and cook about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temp 130°F). Remove steaks to a plate and tent with foil to rest.
- Caramelize Mushrooms: Melt two tablespoons butter with one tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in the pan drippings. Increase to medium-high, add mushrooms in a single layer, and cook 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove mushrooms to a plate.
- Sauté Sauce Aromatics: Add two tablespoons butter to the now-empty skillet and melt over medium heat. Add minced shallot and sauté 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste, garlic, and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds.
- Finish Sauce: Add flour and cook for 1 minute while scraping browned bits. Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in beef broth. Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, beef bouillon, oregano, and thyme. Simmer until thickened, then stir in heavy cream, parsley, and mushrooms. Warm through gently.
- Serve: Plate the steaks over mashed potatoes. Spoon the sauce on top and garnish with fresh parsley and optional chives. Season to taste with salt and pepper after tasting the sauce.
Notes
- For best steak texture, pat steaks dry and press evenly before seasoning.
- Allow steaks to rest after cooking to retain juices and tenderness.
- Caramelize mushrooms in a single layer without overcrowding to achieve crispy edges.
- If desired, deglaze the pan with ¼ cup cognac after sautéing garlic and tomato paste for added depth of flavor.
- Use reduced-sodium broth and sauces to control saltiness and season at the end to taste.
- This sauce pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes; ensure you have enough for everyone.
- Fresh parsley brightens the sauce; dried parsley can be used if fresh is unavailable.
- Serve immediately after finishing sauce for optimal flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with sauce and potatoes
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
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